A scenic drive by private bus brings us to San Gimignano, a fortified hilltop town notable for its many Medieval era towers. Here we will visit the cathedral’s Cappella di Santa Fina and Baptistery, decorated with frescoes by Ghirlandaio and Sebastiano Mainardi, and the Palazzo del Comune (town hall) to enjoy Memmo di Filippuccio’s intriguing 14th century frescoes, Scenes of Married Life.
We will walk along the historic street Via San Matteo and enjoy a quick group lunch in a local eatery.
There will be more time to wander San Gimignano’s labyrinthine lanes at your own pace before the drive to Monte Rosola winery and olive estate for a private tour of the vineyards, the olive groves and wine cellar, with tastings led by the vineyard's head winemaker. (See www.monterosola.com).
From there a short drive leads to Volterra, another of Tuscany’s fortified hilltop towns. In the evening we will enjoy a group dinner in a specially chosen restaurant.
Total drive time today: 2 hours.
Accommodation: Hotel San Lino (4-star), Volterra. www.hotelsanlino.net/en/
Address: 26 Via San Lino.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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